Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a fantastic family-friendly activity near Destin. Check out the new Dolphin Oasis, see penguins, seals, sharks, and so much more.
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Gulfarium
Gulfarium has been a local favorite since 1955. They recently unveiled their long-awaited Dolphin Oasis, home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
There is so much to see at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, you will want to plan a couple of hours minimum to explore. If you have kids that love marine life you could easily spend half a day or longer at the park, enjoying all of the keeper talks, dolphin show, and learning opportunities.
You can also sign up for animal encounters to get close-up experiences with the animals. I think the Dolphin Doodle sounds amazing. You get to create art with an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. This sounds like the perfect one of a kind art souvenir to bring home.
They also have a discover dolphins experience, discover penguins, discover sea lions, discover alligators, discover stingrays, discover harbor seals, discover turtles, reptile safari, and a VIP trainer experience.
Gulfarium is truly fun for visitors of all ages. As a kid, I would have spent hours happily exploring every exhibit over and over again. Truthfully, I spent hours exploring as an adult and would go back again to see the marine wildlife.
Dolphin Oasis
Dolphin Oasis featured three interconnected habitats with over 1 million gallons of Gulf salt water.
The grandstand seating can hold 480 guests. There is also a nursery for calves, and space for the dolphin interactive experience.
Please make sure you plan time to enjoy time at the Dolphin Oasis. They have an amazing underwater viewing area that lets you see the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins up close as they swim by.
The dolphin show is fantastic. They truly focus on sharing how we can help keep dolphins safe and keep our marine life healthy in their natural habitats.
If you decide to sit in the splash zone please be prepared for multiple waves of water to splash you.
The dolphins have a fantastic time creating a wave of water that splashes over the splash zones.
We missed the sea lion shows but heard great things about them from other visitors.
Gulfarium has super cute African black footed penquins. They are so fun to watch.
There are multiple reptile exhibits including snakes and alligators. If you are not a fan of snakes or reptiles you can easily skip the reptile area.
Along the Expedition Trail on the way to the Dolphin Oasis, you will pass Fort Gator, Bayou Boathouse, and the Reptile Sanctuary.
The albino gator is amazing to see. They are incredibly rare and unfortunately do not survive in the wild very well.
PoGo Pass includes admission to the Gulfarium and tons of other activities.
buy general admission tickets ahead of time.
Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center
The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center does unbelievable work in marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.
They work to rehabilitate and release sea turtles back into the Gulf of Mexico. They have rehabilitated hundreds of turtles that have been released back into their natural habitats.
Turtles are cared for at the Gulfarium, and you can see some of the turtle rehab pools during a visit. Make sure to check out the Gulfarium CARE Center products in the gift shop. Every purchase goes towards supporting the rehab of injured and sick turtles.
Manatee Cove
When you first enter Gulfarium, make sure to look through the viewing windows along the walkway. There are two rescued Manatees, Lil Joe and Inigo, in the Manatee Cove pool.
Dive in Eatery
There is a snack and drink counter, Dive in Eatery, that serves popcorn, pretzel bites, nachos, and drinks.
The also have burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, wraps, and snacks available. The shark popcorn bucket is super cute.
While we were visiting there was also a Hawaiian food truck near the Dolphin Oasis serving Dole whips, Spam musubi, and other fun snacks.
We met Jelly the penguin for a photo during our last visit. This was a fun 50 before 50 on the Gulf Coast experience.
Why you will love Gulfarium
- Amazing interactive experiences
- Educational programs for different animal species
- Animal chats with the keepers
Things to know when planning a visit to Gulfarium
GetOut Pass includes admission to the Gulfarium and tons of other activities.
buy general admission tickets ahead of time.
Address - 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Accessibility - Gulfarium has accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. The accessible seating options in the Dolphin Oasis is amazing.
Plus Size Seating - There are benches spread throughout the Gulfarium along with picnic tables. The entertainment shows have concrete seating.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, Something that can get wet if you plan to sit in the splash zone during the dolphin show.
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the Gulfarium.
Parking - There is a large parking lot available for visitors
There is a fantastic exhibit about Lionfish and why they are detrimental to the Gulf ecosystem in the aquarium area right when you enter Gulfarium.
Okaloosa Island Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Wild Willy's Adventure Zone - Ride Go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, pirate-themed golf course, and more.
Henderson Beach State Park - Gorgeous beach access with picnic shelters.
The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island - Great restaurants, beach access, and shops right across from the Gulfarium.
Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach Tours & Attractions
Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE
Crab Island Tours - World-famous Crab Island is a must visit! Book a tour or private boat HERE.
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy the day out on the water in a fantastic pontoon boat. Check out Boat Rentals HERE
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - See dolphins, sea lions, penquins, sharks, and more. Grab tickets HERE
Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE
Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in Okaloosa Island & Fort Walton Beach.
Okaloosa Island Hotels and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Four Points by Sheraton Destin Fort Walton Beach - We loved our stay at this resort. The Gulf views are amazing. Book here.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach - Great Gulf front hotel with easy beach access. Book here.
The Island Resort - Enjoy a Gulf friend hotel with onsite dining and a great pool. Book here
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach - Beachfront pool, full service restaurant, and gorgeous Gulf views. Book here
Waterscape - Beachfront property with one and two bedroom apartments. Book here
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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